The Best Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes Recipe Ever

Crispy donut holes bursting with strawberry cheesecake promise a delightful twist on classic desserts.

Sweet pockets of joy await your taste buds.

Soft dough envelops creamy filling that melts in seconds.

Bakery-style magic happens right in your kitchen with minimal effort.

Pastry lovers will adore this unexpected combination of textures and flavors.

Delicate strawberry notes dance alongside rich cheesecake cream inside each golden-brown morsel.

We guarantee these bite-sized treats will become your new obsession.

FAQs

  • How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to check that the oil reaches exactly 350F. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of batter into the oil – it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately without burning.

  • Can I make the batter ahead of time?

No, it’s best to make the donut hole batter right before frying. The baking powder and baking soda work best when used immediately, ensuring light and fluffy donut holes.

  • What if my cheesecake filling is too runny?

If the filling seems too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before piping. This will help it set and make it easier to inject into the donut holes without leaking.

Why Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes Are Loved

  • Burst with Homemade Goodness: These donut holes pack a delightful surprise with creamy strawberry cheesecake filling that transforms a classic treat into a gourmet dessert experience.
  • Master Quick Baking Skills: Straightforward ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for bakers of all levels, allowing you to create restaurant-quality pastries right in your kitchen.
  • Customize Your Indulgence: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping strawberries with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or experiment with different spices in the sugar coating for a personalized touch.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Treat: Perfect for brunch gatherings, potlucks, or family dessert nights, these stuffed donut holes will impress guests and disappear quickly from the serving plate.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes

For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: A smooth and rich base that provides creamy texture to the filling.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a silky consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm and aromatic notes.
  • Strawberries: Fresh fruit that brings a bright and sweet flavor to the filling.
For the Donut Hole Batter:
  • Flour: The primary structure and base for the donut hole dough.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the donut holes rise and become light.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the donut holes.
For the Frying and Coating:
  • Vegetable Oil: Used for deep frying the donut holes to achieve a golden brown exterior.
  • Buttermilk, Egg, Melted Butter: Liquid ingredients that add moisture and richness to the batter.
  • Cinnamon: Optional spice that adds warmth and depth to the sugar coating.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes

Step 1: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Mixture

Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Gently fold chopped strawberries into the mixture.

Transfer filling to a piping bag with a small round tip and chill in refrigerator.

Ingredients:
  • Cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Fresh strawberries

Step 2: Prepare Light Donut Batter

Combine dry ingredients in one bowl: flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In separate bowl, blend buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated.

Ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Buttermilk
  • Egg
  • Melted butter

Step 3: Deep Fry Golden Donut Spheres

Heat vegetable oil in deep skillet to 350°F. Drop batter using small cookie scoop into hot oil.

Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Inject Fruity Cheesecake Center

Once donut holes cool slightly, use piping bag to inject strawberry cheesecake filling into each sphere.

Step 5: Coat With Sweet Topping

Mix granulated sugar with cinnamon in shallow bowl.

Roll each filled donut hole in sugar mixture until completely coated. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful surprise inside.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes

  • Chill the cheesecake mixture thoroughly before piping to maintain its structure and prevent leaking during filling.
  • Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent 350F oil temperature, ensuring evenly golden and crispy donut holes without burning.
  • Pipe filling slowly and steadily, stopping just before the donut hole starts to bulge to avoid overfilling and messy leaks.
  • Let donut holes rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent bottoms from becoming soggy and maintain crisp exterior.
  • Add a touch of lemon zest to the cheesecake filling for a bright, subtle citrus note that complements the strawberries.

Variations of Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes

  • Berry Bliss Variation: Replace strawberries with raspberries for a tangy, vibrant cheesecake filling that adds a bright burst of flavor to the donut holes.
  • Chocolate Dream Variation: Mix melted dark chocolate into the cheesecake filling and coat the donut holes in cocoa powder for a rich, decadent treat.
  • Tropical Paradise Variation: Swap strawberries for diced mango and add a hint of coconut extract to the filling, then roll in toasted coconut flakes for a summery sensation.
  • Lemon Zest Punch: Incorporate lemon zest and juice into the cheesecake filling, coating the donut holes in powdered sugar for a refreshing citrus twist.

Pairings for Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes

  • Brew Rich Espresso Contrast: Dark, intense espresso cuts through the donut's sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile that highlights the strawberry cheesecake filling's creamy richness.
  • Match Chilled Rosé Wine: Light, crisp rosé complements the dessert's fruity notes, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, indulgent donut holes with its subtle berry undertones.
  • Serve Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream enhances the warm donut's texture, adding a creamy layer that amplifies the strawberry cheesecake's velvety filling while providing a cool temperature contrast.

How to Store Strawberry Cheesecake Donut Holes

Store leftover donut holes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure they’re completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation.

Wrap individual donut holes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Preheat oven to 300F. Arrange donut holes on a baking sheet and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain their crispy exterior.

Warm donut holes in 10-15 second intervals to prevent sogginess. Heat just until slightly warm to preserve texture and prevent filling from becoming too runny.

Print
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Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donut Holes Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent strawberry cheesecake stuffed donut holes bring classic dessert magic into bite-sized perfection. Creamy cheesecake centers nestled in golden, crispy donuts create an irresistible treat you won’t be able to resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Donut Holes Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Donut Holes Additional Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped

Sugar Coating:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the luscious cheesecake filling by whipping cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until silky smooth. Gently incorporate chopped strawberries, then transfer the mixture to a piping bag and chill in the refrigerator.
  2. Create the donut hole batter by combining dry ingredients in one bowl – flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate container, blend buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Merge wet and dry mixtures, stirring until just incorporated.
  3. Warm vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F, ensuring consistent temperature. Using a small cookie scoop, carefully drop batter into hot oil, frying donut holes for 2-3 minutes until achieving a golden-brown exterior. Extract with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
  4. Allow donut holes to cool slightly, then precisely inject each with the chilled strawberry cheesecake filling using the prepared piping bag.
  5. Create a coating mixture of granulated sugar and optional ground cinnamon. Roll each filled donut hole in the sweet mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Serve immediately while warm, revealing the creamy strawberry center with each delightful bite.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free filling that pipes easily into donut holes.
  • Gently fold strawberries to prevent breaking and maintain texture within the cheesecake mixture.
  • Use a candy thermometer for precise oil temperature, preventing greasy or undercooked donut holes.
  • Allow donut holes to cool slightly before filling to prevent melting the cheesecake mixture and maintain structural integrity.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 184 kcal
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 33 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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